Maria J. Peppas

February 23, 1996

Maria J. Peppas, 80, often referred to as the "Mayor of North Avenue" because she was so well known by residents of Humboldt Park, died Monday at her home in Madeira Beach, Fla. Mrs. Peppas came to the United States from Greece in 1934. She owned the Newport Restaurant on North Avenue and in the 1950s was instrumental in bringing the Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church to the Humboldt Park area, where she lived for more than 40 years. She is survived by a son, William; three daughters, Constance Gekas, Bertha Argiris and Stella Cocalis; 11 grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday in Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1017 N. La Salle Street, Chicago.